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21.11.14

Bikini tops are also great bra alternative in Summer especially under skimpy tops. With the left over fabric I made up an extra one (top only) and it's available from the gift shop right now in Australian size 10 A/B (US 6 A/B).

Want to make your own but never sewn swimwear before? No problem, I've added a couple of tutorials righthere. Best of all they take next to no fabric and once you get the hang of it are super quick to make. The pattern for the TEENY-WEENY STRING BIKINI is available from my Etsy shop in Australian sizes 6-14 and is suitable for A-C cups.

12.11.14

It's designed to be made from contrasting print fabrics and the sample shown combines a lightweight Japanese seersucker with a soft printed voile.I cut the back on the bias, it takes more fabric but it adds a softness and drape which helps if you're using a crisper fabric.

5.11.14

Well of course this isn't true. We apparently wear regularly only 20% of our wardrobe whilst the rest sits idle and wasted.

Conned by clever marketers into believing the consumerist myth that dictates the constant need to update, outdo and compete we dutifully obey spending more and more cash on stuff we just don't need. The knock on effects of this avid consumerist cycle on the environment are becoming ever clearer...search GREAT PACIFIC GARBAGE PATCH or PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE for example.

Combine the above with a general sense of wardrobe boredom, fit issues and the less often acknowledged, 'I don't know how to wear it', and you can easily account for the other 80%.

I recently released a pattern for a halter top. As you can see from the previous post it's somewhat conservative from the front but scoops down to reveal your entire back. Now whilst I don't encounter any errr...gravitational issues I acknowledge this may not be the case for others. So if you're thinking of making one but have hesitated for this reason may I suggest signing up your bikini top for double duty. The strap will show but unlike a bra it will add rather than subtract from the overall look especially in a contrast pattern.

26.10.14

Inspired by ultra feminine and curve enhancing swimwear styles popular in the 1940's I designed the BATHING SUIT TOP.

Perfect for summer, the front is loose and relaxed while the back sweeps down from the halter neck to form a flattering low scoop. Long ties secured at the back neck hold the top in place and allow for adjustment whilst the back is comfortably elasticated.

Perfect as a casual Summer top it might also be a useful party option. It's shown here with the MINNIE MINI; another summer staple that also loves a fun night out.

The pattern for the BATHING SUIT TOP is available in Australian sizes 8-14 from my Etsy shop. Altering the pattern to make a dress is easy and it's explained right here. All fabrics used were found at Tessuti in Melbourne.

17.10.14

Just added to the GIFT SHOP a SKIMPY knicker in Australian size 8 (US 4). The knicker combines two Liberty print cotton fabrics; Baby Rainbow for the body and Tom for the waist binding.

Fabric notes from Liberty..."Baby Rainbow was based on a Liberty fabrics design from the 1970s and re-worked into hope, promise and peace-giving rainbows. Rich in symbolism, rainbows have also been used in art as bridges to the heavens, paths to wisdom and celestial kaleidoscopes.

Based on an authentic Liberty archive design stretching back to 1935, Tom Liberty fabric was originally created by influential textile designers Silver Studio"

I love the idea of combining elements from different eras to create something unique and modern and I'm busy making up lots more knickers in all sorts of cute period mash-ups.

If you have the sewing skills to make your own The SKIMPY sewing pattern is also available. Please remember folks, patterns sold may not be copied, distributed and/or commercially reproduced.

23.9.14

Like the idea of gifting some Liberty print knickers but don't have the sewing skills to make them up? No worries, leading up to Christmas and perhaps beyond I'll be adding a GIFT SHOP to my Etsy store.

Each pair will be made with the utmost love and care by yours truly, (no outsourcing of production!) 100% hand made by the designer.

19.9.14

A nautical version of the newly minted POCKET TOP made in 100% linen and trimmed with vintage sailor buttons. It's worn below with a pair of BLOOMERS made out of an old feed sack. Buttons and feed sack both found at L'uccello.

Instead of knicker elastic a satin bias binding threaded with narrow elastic was used; a HOW TO can be found right here.

The POCKET TOP is available from my Etsy store in Australian sizes 6-14.